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Tech People, Why Can't I Access Most Websites?
- Thread starter NipplesAndToes23
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RoadHazard
Gold Member
Reformat man, your shit is a mess!
If you've upgraded to Windows 10 the process is very simple, you just press a button in the system settings. Don't even need any external boot media or anything. Back up any important files first, of course.
If you've upgraded to Windows 10 the process is very simple, you just press a button in the system settings. Don't even need any external boot media or anything. Back up any important files first, of course.
WAR recon zero
Banned
Op show me your date and time
NipplesAndToes23
Member
November 11, 2015 12:47PM as of this post
Windows 8
I'm going to wait a little to do the reformat in case there's another option in response to these two posts.
I'd definitely uninstall all McAfee products and run the removal tool. I would also make sure when installing things in the future (Flash, etc) to make sure and do custom installs, as there are lots of free software online that installs McAfee on your machine.
I'd probably uninstall AVG as well, Windows 8 has Windows Defender antivirus built in - so technically you're running three antivirus clients. I've never personally heard of AVG causing internet issues, but I can't tell you how many McAfee and Norton products I've had to remove to make accessing websites work again.
Windows Defender, a proper adblocking plugin (uBlock origin - Chrome - Firefox), and a custom hosts file is all I personally run and I've never had issues with viruses/malware.
As Gr8one mentioned, when you got the McAfee notice after trying to go to Pizza Hut, the website it said it was trying to go to was not pizzahut.com but rather some site that google indicates is malware.
Cleaning out an infected computer can sometimes be tough as they will often limit your ability to download the tools you need to get rid of them. If you have MalwareBytes then you can try running it to see if it cleans everything up. Otherwise, it might just be simpler to save out all your needed media and reformat.
Also, in the future, pick use only one anti-virus. Besides slowing things down as everything gets examined twice, they can sometimes think each other is a virus.
Cleaning out an infected computer can sometimes be tough as they will often limit your ability to download the tools you need to get rid of them. If you have MalwareBytes then you can try running it to see if it cleans everything up. Otherwise, it might just be simpler to save out all your needed media and reformat.
Also, in the future, pick use only one anti-virus. Besides slowing things down as everything gets examined twice, they can sometimes think each other is a virus.
NipplesAndToes23
Member
^ Edit: I actually don't ever remembering downloading McAfee.
I can only access the winhelp link, but I think I know how to uninstall McAfee. I just need to go into control panel, programs, and uninstall it from the list.
I can only access the winhelp link, but I think I know how to uninstall McAfee. I just need to go into control panel, programs, and uninstall it from the list.
Yeah, anything with McAfee in the program name, uninstall it. Also if you see zerodirect1 - uninstall it.
Can you access this direct link to the removal tool?
Here's the instructions:
Also try what Vengrim suggests if you have Malwarebytes - you definitely have the zerodirect1 adware:
And while you still can (before things possibly get worse), back up whatever you need to back up in case you need to reformat and reinstall.
NipplesAndToes23
Member
No I can't. This time I got a different message. It says "This site has a redirect loop" Reload?
I ran Malware Bytes last night, but I guess it won't hurt doing it again.
Was zerodirect1 in your Uninstall programs? Can you get to the following website:
https://malwaretips.com/blogs/zeroredirect1-com-removal/
Hoho for breakfast
Member
Ask yourself if you need any virus protection. I never use any of them and have had zero issues. I think I might have the default windows crap on but I definitely do not use Mcafee or AVG. For me they cause more harm than good. I say get rid of them.
Iorv3th
Member
Get rid of McAfee and just use AVG, having two is probably what messed your computer up. You definitely have adware and possibly other stuff installed as well. If AVG/MCaffee where both running while you tried to run malwarebytes it could have messed it up (the scan results) as well.
Also set your clock to get the time automatically from the internet.
You would be wrong. That is terrible advice.
Also set your clock to get the time automatically from the internet.
You would be wrong. That is terrible advice.
Do you have Windows 8 or Windows 10 - then yes you have antivirus in the form of Windows Defender baked in.
Hoho for breakfast
Member
Coming from the guy recommending people use AVG...the so called anti virus programs themselves (particularly the garbage that is AVG and Mcafee which were mentioned) can be just as bad as a virus (which you most likely won't get anyway if you're not visiting sketchy ass sites or clicking strange links).
I do use Windows built in one though just because I'm too lazy to turn it off. I have no idea how good or bad it is I just know it leaves me alone and I've had no viruses.
Iorv3th
Member
I don't reccomend people use AVG, but it's better than mcaffee and he already has it installed.
Generally having protection is best. A large chunk of people don't know how to safely navigate the web and even then sometimes might end up somewhere that seems legit but is not.
Hoho for breakfast
Member
I see and I misread slightly what you said. And I agree protection is a good thing just not when it's shady programs like the ones mentioned. Sorry I'm just mad at the programs themselves and am coming off like a dick to you. Apologies.
NipplesAndToes23
Member
No and the link doesn't work for me.
I'm about to run Malware Bytes again and then I'll try the reformat.
Iorv3th
Member
If you have information you want to save I would try not to reformat it. You could still try booting into the recovery console and doing a system restore or something as well.
You should try to boot into safe mode (with networking) and see if you still have the problems.
No problem.
Try downloading a free trial of Norton, Webroot, Trend Micro, and Panda.
Oh, that won't fix it, I just want to see what happens.
Are you running from safe mode?
I'd also recommend running rkill, a program that halts malicious processes so you can scan your PC.
Afterwards, run AdwCleaner to scan the PC.
If you prefer running Norton, Power Eraser is a good, stand-alone tool that will aggressively scan your PC.
In terms of keeping yourself safe, I also don't run any virus scanners (other than MSE, because it's just kinda there) . The main thing is to have a firewall, and to run a whitelist for cookies, flash, and java. Disable everything by default. So even if neogaf.com gets hacked and taken over by a popup, because the popup URL isn't on your whitelist, you wouldn't just run whatever flash was in it and get infected.
OK OP, I think your computer may be infected and am suggesting for you to run ADW Cleaner: http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/adwcleaner/
It gets rid of a lot of "hidden" browser extensions that can hijack your web browser.
Close any programs you can before running it.
NipplesAndToes23
Member
This is exhausting. I ran a system restore three times and it failed all three times.
I tried running in safe mode with networking three times and that shit didn't work properly. I couldn't connect to the internet and I'm sure I pressed the right button for it hence why I did it three times.
To the post above, I'll try that next.
I tried running in safe mode with networking three times and that shit didn't work properly. I couldn't connect to the internet and I'm sure I pressed the right button for it hence why I did it three times.
To the post above, I'll try that next.
NipplesAndToes23
Member
Ran ADW cleaner. It was fast and it only found two things.
Yahoo AU and a Toolbar updater
It didn't fix my issues however. It said it deleted all this AVG stuff, but it's still popping up in Chrome.
Yahoo AU and a Toolbar updater
It didn't fix my issues however. It said it deleted all this AVG stuff, but it's still popping up in Chrome.
eddie4
Genuinely Generous
This shit happened to me all the time... until I forked over $200 and bought a nice router. No issues.
eddie4
Genuinely Generous
Ran ADW cleaner. It was fast and it only found two things.
Yahoo AU and a Toolbar updater
It didn't fix my issues however. It said it deleted all this AVG stuff, but it's still popping up in Chrome.
Remove AVG extensions from Google Chrome.
Click the Chrome menu button
In the Extensions tab, remove AVG Toolbar and any other unknown extensions by clicking the trash can icon.
Basically, if you have not installed an extension, you should remove it from your web browser.
NipplesAndToes23
Member
Edit: What's a VPN?
I think I did it yesterday because no AVG extensions are showing up now.
Remove AVG extensions from Google Chrome.
Click the Chrome menu buttonon the browser toolbar, select Tools and then click on Extensions.
In the Extensions tab, remove AVG Toolbar and any other unknown extensions by clicking the trash can icon.
Basically, if you have not installed an extension, you should remove it from your web browser.
I think I did it yesterday because no AVG extensions are showing up now.
You don't even need safe mode with networking. Get a clean USB, or format a USB on a clean PC with autorun disabled. DL the latest ver. of AdwCleaner and run it in non-networking safe mode.
If you're not running in safe mode, viruses can hide from scanners more easily.
I would pull your drive and scan it from another PC. Or DL a Live CD and scan your drive from there.
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/36677/how-to-use-the-bitdefender-rescue-cd-to-clean-your-infected-pc/
butzopower
proud of his butz
Were you given new hardware (ie. modem or router)?
I've been messing with my shit all night trying to fix the same sorts of issues (could access google / facebook, but not GAF). Definitely not a DNS issue since I can nslookup GAF and get an IP, just real weird shit going on. Eventually I renewed my local network IP going to my network panel and refreshing with my modem's DHCP server and things started loading again. Maybe look up how to do that with whatever operating system you are using.
Hoping all my shit still works tomorrow but I doubt it.
I've been messing with my shit all night trying to fix the same sorts of issues (could access google / facebook, but not GAF). Definitely not a DNS issue since I can nslookup GAF and get an IP, just real weird shit going on. Eventually I renewed my local network IP going to my network panel and refreshing with my modem's DHCP server and things started loading again. Maybe look up how to do that with whatever operating system you are using.
Hoping all my shit still works tomorrow but I doubt it.
Hoho for breakfast
Member
Don't restore a checkpoint. Just do a full system recovery (the advanced option). Back up all your stuff you want and set everything back to factory default settings. Is that an option? It's what I do when I can't figure out what's going on, and it's 95% likely to solve whatever your issue is.
Also how are you getting toolbars on your system? Watch what you're clicking on. Like if you install a program, use the advanced option when doing so and always make sure to uncheck or check any boxes asking about installing anything extra. Just never do it. The answer is always no.
Also for the love of god do not reinstall AVG. Or Mcafee. Or any other bullshit. Just google them/it if you don't believe me.
Also how are you getting toolbars on your system? Watch what you're clicking on. Like if you install a program, use the advanced option when doing so and always make sure to uncheck or check any boxes asking about installing anything extra. Just never do it. The answer is always no.
Also for the love of god do not reinstall AVG. Or Mcafee. Or any other bullshit. Just google them/it if you don't believe me.
NipplesAndToes23
Member
I did the reset. I didn't want to do it, but it worked. Weird that my desktop background is still the same and there's nothing on my desktop at all other than IE and the Recycling Bin. I had a couple things called SPC driver that I thought was preinstalled.
But thank you, thank you everyone in here, for the help. It was hellish and it took me over a day, but I managed to rectify the problem. Had to make a sacrifice in the process, but at least I can now actually access my email and can apply for jobs again.
Thanks so much GAF much love and don't be hesitant to ask me for any help, as long as it's not computer related.
But thank you, thank you everyone in here, for the help. It was hellish and it took me over a day, but I managed to rectify the problem. Had to make a sacrifice in the process, but at least I can now actually access my email and can apply for jobs again.
Thanks so much GAF much love and don't be hesitant to ask me for any help, as long as it's not computer related.
NipplesAndToes23
Member
Edit: Nvm
andythinkpad
Member
You should have tried to access the block site from your phone via wifi first, if it work then flatten and reinstall you PC. It's not worth the time to find out what kind of virus/ware you have.
888
Member
Sounds like your pc has a proxy. Go to control panel, Internet settings, somewhere there is a proxy setting. See if you can disable the proxy. If not or it reenables itself you have an infection. I ran across that once and all scans were clean but I had to make a registry change to remove the proxy.
Edit:good you got it working.
Edit:good you got it working.
Northeastmonk
Gold Member
Good to hear things are looking up. It sounded like you were getting adware from somewhere. Multiple Chrome or search bars period tend to come from somewhere.
Just to name a few. They're such a pain to get rid of and I'm not entirely sure why they're hard to get rid of at times. You have to manually uninstall them. Most of the time you can delete them or you'll have to run a very good Malware program or antivirus software. You can also go into Chrome's Settings and set which website or search engine you want as your default search engine too.
https://malwaretips.com/blogs/browser-toolbar-removal/
Just to name a few. They're such a pain to get rid of and I'm not entirely sure why they're hard to get rid of at times. You have to manually uninstall them. Most of the time you can delete them or you'll have to run a very good Malware program or antivirus software. You can also go into Chrome's Settings and set which website or search engine you want as your default search engine too.
GreatestHits
Member
McAfee *and* AVG? *shudder*
I'm glad you reformatted sooner than later. Would've taken some real experts and a nice amount of troubleshooting to figure this one out. If you want decent antivirus just go with Panda OR the Microsoft default
I'm glad you reformatted sooner than later. Would've taken some real experts and a nice amount of troubleshooting to figure this one out. If you want decent antivirus just go with Panda OR the Microsoft default
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